CN117642093A

CN117642093A - Aerosol delivery device comprising an electromagnetic shielding member

Info

Publication number: CN117642093A
Application number: CN202280049721.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 乔纳森·尼尔·伯吉斯; 康纳尔·麦格拉思
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2021-07-15
Filing date: 2022-07-15
Publication date: 2024-03-01
Also published as: WO2023285679A1; GB202110218D0; KR20240034187A

Abstract

An aerosol provision device (100), comprising: a receiving portion configured to receive an aerosol-generating material, wherein the aerosol-generating material is heatable by a susceptor (132); an induction coil (124, 126) configured to generate a varying magnetic field for heating the susceptor (132); and an electromagnetic shielding member (202) at least partially covering the induction coil (124, 126), wherein the electromagnetic shielding member (202) comprises a polymer composition configured to absorb and/or reflect electromagnetic radiation.

Description

Aerosol delivery device comprising an electromagnetic shielding member

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device and an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device and an article comprising an aerosol generating material.

Background

Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars, and the like burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning articles by creating products that release the compounds without burning. An example of such a product is a heating device that releases a compound by heating but not burning the material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising:

a receiving portion configured to receive an aerosol-generating material, wherein the aerosol-generating material is heatable by a susceptor;

an induction coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field for heating the susceptor; and

an electromagnetic shielding member at least partially covering the induction coil, wherein the electromagnetic shielding member comprises a polymer composition.

In an embodiment, the polymer composition is configured to absorb and/or reflect electromagnetic radiation.

In an embodiment, the polymer composition comprises (i) a polymer and (ii) a filler capable of absorbing and/or reflecting electromagnetic radiation.

In an embodiment, the polymer composition consists essentially of (i) a polymer and (ii) a filler capable of absorbing and/or reflecting electromagnetic radiation.

In an embodiment, the polymer composition consists of (i) a polymer and (ii) a filler capable of absorbing and/or reflecting electromagnetic radiation.

In an embodiment, the polymer composition has a shielding effectiveness of at least about 20dB when measured at 30 MHz.

In an embodiment, the polymer composition has a shielding effectiveness of at least about 40dB when measured at 30 MHz.

In an embodiment, the polymer composition has a shielding effectiveness of from about 30dB to about 80dB when measured at 30 MHz.

In an embodiment, the polymer composition has a shielding effectiveness of from about 40dB to about 70dB when measured at 30 MHz.

In an embodiment, the polymer composition has a molecular weight of about 10 ⁵ Ohmic or less.

In an embodiment, the polymer composition has a molecular weight of about 10 ⁴ Ohmic or less.

In embodiments, the polymer composition has a surface resistance of about 100 ohms or less.

In an embodiment, the polymer composition has a surface resistance of from about 0.01 ohms to about 10 ohms.

In an embodiment, the polymer composition has a thickness of from about 0.10mm to about 2 mm.

In an embodiment, the polymer composition has a thickness of from about 0.15mm to about 1.5 mm.

In an embodiment, the electromagnetic shielding member is in contact with the induction coil.

In an embodiment, the polymer is an elastomeric or thermoplastic polymer.

In an embodiment, the polymer is selected from the group consisting of: polycarbonates (PC), polyethylenimines (PEI), acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), PVC alloys, cyclic Olefin Copolymers (COC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene carbonate (PPC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyoxymethylene (POM), nylon, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), silicone, and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the polymer is selected from the group consisting of: polycarbonates (PC), polyethylenimines (PEI), acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polyetheretherketones (PEEK), polyoxymethylene (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the filler is electrically conductive.

In an embodiment, the filler has about 10 ^-4 Ohmic or less.

In an embodiment, the filler is selected from the group consisting of: metals or alloys of metals, carbon, carbides, nitrides, oxides, two-dimensional transition metal carbonitrides (MXene), and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the filler is selected from the group consisting of: metals or alloys of metals, carbon, silicon carbide, boron carbide, titanium carbide, tungsten carbide, aluminum nitride, zinc oxide, and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the metal is a transition metal or a post-transition metal.

In an embodiment, the metal is selected from the group consisting of silver, gold, copper, nickel, iron, zinc, aluminum, and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the carbon is in the form of graphite, graphene oxide, carbon black, carbon nanotubes, or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the carbon is at least partially coated with a metal, such as nickel.

In an embodiment, the aerosol provision device further comprises a susceptor, wherein the susceptor defines the receiving portion.

In an embodiment, the aerosol provision device further comprises a housing forming at least a part of an outer surface of the aerosol provision device, wherein the outer surface of the housing is arranged facing away from the outer surface of the susceptor. In one aspect, in use, the temperature of the outer surface is maintained below about 70 ℃, 60 ℃, 55 ℃, or about 48 ℃.

In an embodiment, the induction coil is a substantially helical coil extending around the receiving portion, and wherein the electromagnetic shielding member extends at least partially around the induction coil.

In an embodiment, the induction coil is a substantially planar coil defining: a first substantially planar surface on a first side of the induction coil, a second substantially planar surface on a second side of the induction coil opposite the first side, and a peripheral surface connecting the first and second substantially planar surfaces; and, the electromagnetic shielding member at least partially covers one or more of the first substantially planar surface, the second substantially planar surface, and the peripheral surface.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device as described above; an article comprising an aerosol-generating material. The article may be sized to be at least partially received within the heater assembly.

The device may be a tobacco heating device, also known as a heating non-combustion device.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electromagnetic shielding member for an aerosol provision device, wherein the electromagnetic shielding member comprises a polymer composition as defined herein. In an embodiment, the polymer composition is configured to absorb and/or reflect electromagnetic radiation.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided the use of a polymer composition as an electromagnetic shielding member for an aerosol provision device, wherein the polymer composition is as defined herein. In an embodiment, the polymer composition is configured to absorb and/or reflect electromagnetic radiation.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a front view of an example of an aerosol provision device.

Fig. 2 shows a front view of the aerosol provision device of fig. 1 with the housing removed.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol provision device of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of the aerosol provision device of fig. 2.

Fig. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of a heating assembly within an aerosol provision device.

Fig. 5B shows a close-up view of a portion of the heating assembly of fig. 5A.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of an exemplary electromagnetic shielding member disposed within an aerosol provision device.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic view of a cross section of an exemplary electromagnetic shielding member arranged within an aerosol provision device.

Fig. 8A schematically shows an example of a cross-section of an aerosol-supply system comprising an aerosol-supply device comprising a plurality of substantially planar induction coils and an aerosol-generating article comprising a plurality of portions of aerosol-generating material and corresponding susceptor portions; fig. 8B-8D are multiple views of the aerosol-generating article of fig. 8A from different angles.

Fig. 9A and 9B illustrate two different examples of a substantially planar induction coil having a trapezoidal shape.

Fig. 10A schematically illustrates an aerosol-supply system comprising an aerosol-supply device comprising a single inductive heating element and a movement mechanism, and an aerosol-generating article comprising multiple portions of aerosol-generating material; while figures 10B and 10C are two perspective views of a portion of an aerosol-supply system comprising an aerosol-supply device and an aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosol-supply device comprises a rotation device configured to rotate the aerosol-generating article about an axis of rotation relative to a heating element of the aerosol-supply device.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" includes materials that provide a volatile component, typically in aerosol form, upon heating. The aerosol-generating material comprises any tobacco-containing material and may, for example, comprise one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol-generating material may also comprise other non-tobacco products, which may or may not comprise nicotine, depending on the product. The aerosol-generating material may for example be in the form of a solid, liquid, gel, wax or the like. The aerosol-generating material may also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. Aerosol-generating materials may also be referred to as "smokable materials".

Devices are known which heat an aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material without burning or igniting the aerosol-generating material, typically to form an aerosol which can be inhaled. Such devices are sometimes described as "aerosol-generating devices", "aerosol-supplying devices", "heated but non-burning devices", "tobacco heating product devices" or "tobacco heating devices", etc. Similarly, there are also so-called e-cigarette devices, which typically evaporate aerosol-generating material in liquid form, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of or provided as part of a rod, cartridge or cassette or the like which may be inserted into the device. The heater for heating and volatilising the aerosol-generating material may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device.

The aerosol provision device may receive an article comprising aerosol-generating material for heating. In this context, an "article" is a component that in use comprises or contains an aerosol-generating material, which is heated in use to volatilize the aerosol-generating material and optionally other components. The user may insert the article into the aerosol provision device, after which the article is heated to produce an aerosol that the user subsequently inhales. The article may, for example, have a predetermined or specific size configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device, the heating chamber being sized to receive the article. The article may also be referred to as a "consumable".

A first aspect of the present disclosure defines an aerosol-supply device having a receiving portion configured to receive an aerosol-generating material heatable by a susceptor. The receiving portion may for example be defined by a susceptor such that the susceptor receives aerosol-generating material. For example, the susceptor may be substantially tubular (i.e. hollow) and may receive aerosol-generating material therein. In one example, the aerosol-generating material is tubular or cylindrical in nature and may be referred to as a "tobacco rod", for example, the aerosol-generating material may comprise a plant-based material, such as tobacco, formed in a particular shape, and then coated or wrapped in one or more other materials, such as paper or foil. Alternatively, the susceptor may not be a component of the device, but rather be attached to or contained within an article introduced into the device.

The receiving portion may define a heating chamber configured to receive the aerosol-generating material.

The susceptor can be heated by penetrating the susceptor with a varying magnetic field generated by at least one induction coil. The heated susceptor in turn heats the aerosol-generating material located within the susceptor. Thus, the device further comprises an induction coil at least partially covering the receiving portion/susceptor. For example, the induction coil may extend around the receiving portion/susceptor.

In order to protect the electrical components of the apparatus and other electrical equipment in the vicinity from electromagnetic radiation generated by the induction coil, the apparatus comprises an electromagnetic shielding member for reflecting and/or absorbing electromagnetic radiation, such as electromagnetic radiation generated by the induction coil, and thus mitigating the effects of electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic shielding member used in the present invention includes an electromagnetic shielding polymer composition.

In a first aspect, the electromagnetic shielding member at least partially covers the induction coil. In one aspect, the electromagnetic shielding member extends at least partially around the induction coil. In one aspect, the electromagnetic shielding member is in contact with the induction coil.

Ferrite materials have been used previously as electromagnetic shielding members in aerosol supplies. However, this requires the use of an adhesive layer to attach the ferrite material to the device. For example, the ferrite material may be included in the form of a tape including an adhesive and a powder ferrite. However, such belts are generally not flexible and therefore cannot be easily formed into intricate shapes or designs. For example, the belt may be prone to breakage when bent.

Furthermore, current ferrite materials are typically used in the form of compressed powders that are held in place by a binder that may degrade over time. Such degradation may make the electromagnetic shielding less efficient and/or create undesirable loose ferrite material within the device.

It has now been found that the polymer composition can be used to replace ferrite material within an aerosol supply device. One advantage of using a polymer composition in an aerosol supply device is that the polymer composition can be molded, making the construction of the overall device easier and capable of producing more complex shapes than those formed using previously used ferrite tapes.

In addition, the polymer composition may provide structural strength or integrity to the device, which is not achieved by using ferrite tapes. Thus, the polymer composition forming the electromagnetic shielding member itself may also be used as a structure or an integral part of the device. This may enable the polymer composition to perform a variety of functions within the device.

Furthermore, by using plastic instead of ferrite, the use of adhesives can be avoided, making the device easier to construct and more stable over the lifetime of the device. Other advantages of using plastic rather than ferrite materials may include lower cost, lower weight, and/or no corrosion.

The polymer composition used for the electromagnetic shielding member of the present invention is capable of attenuating electromagnetic radiation. In particular, the polymer composition may absorb and/or reflect electromagnetic radiation. In other words, the polymer composition is configured to absorb and/or reflect electromagnetic radiation. This prevents electromagnetic radiation from passing through the polymer composition or reduces the intensity of electromagnetic radiation passing through the polymer composition.

In one aspect, the electromagnetic shielding member used in the present invention does not contain any adhesive. In one aspect, the electromagnetic shielding member is in direct contact with the induction coil (i.e., without any adhesive between the induction coil and the electromagnetic shielding member).

In one aspect, the electromagnetic shielding member is comprised of a polymer composition capable of or configured to absorb and/or reflect electromagnetic radiation.

The polymer composition generally comprises (i) a polymer and (ii) a filler capable of absorbing and/or reflecting electromagnetic radiation.

The polymer composition may include any amount of filler, such as from about 1wt.% to about 99wt.%, from about 10wt.% to about 90wt.%, or from about 25wt.% to about 75wt.%.

The polymer composition may include any amount of polymer, such as from about 1wt.% to about 99wt.%, from about 10wt.% to about 90wt.%, or from about 25wt.% to about 75wt.%.

The weight ratio of polymer to filler may range from about 1:10 to about 10:1, such as about 1:5 to about 5:1 or about 1:2 to about 2:1.

in one aspect, the polymer composition may include one or more additional fillers, such as colorants.

In one aspect, the polymer composition consists essentially of the polymer, the filler described herein, and optionally one or more additional fillers. In one aspect, the electromagnetic shielding member consists essentially of a polymer, a filler as described herein, and optionally one or more additional fillers.

In one aspect, the polymer composition consists of a polymer, a filler as described herein, and optionally one or more additional fillers. In one aspect, the electromagnetic shielding member is comprised of a polymer, a filler as described herein, and optionally one or more additional fillers.

The polymer may be any polymer suitable for use in an aerosol-generating device, such as an elastomer or a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer may be amorphous or semi-crystalline.

In one aspect, the polymer is selected from the group consisting of: polycarbonates (PC), polyethylenimines (PEI), acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), PVC alloys, cyclic Olefin Copolymers (COC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene carbonate (PPC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyoxymethylene (POM), nylon, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), silicone, and combinations thereof.

The polyethylene may be Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), high Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE).

In one aspect, the polymer is selected from the group consisting of: polycarbonates (PC), polyethylenimines (PEI), acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polyetheretherketones (PEEK), polyoxymethylene (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and combinations thereof.

In one aspect, the polymer is selected from the group consisting of: polyethyleneimine (PEI), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and combinations thereof.

The filler is generally capable of reflecting and/or absorbing electromagnetic radiation. Thus, it is common for polymer compositions to be provided with the desired properties, i.e. that it is the filler and not the polymer that is capable of absorbing and/or reflecting electromagnetic radiation.

In one aspect, the filler is selected from the group consisting of: metals or alloys of metals, carbon, carbides, nitrides, oxides, two-dimensional transition metal carbonitrides (MXene), and combinations thereof. One or more than one different filler may be used. In one aspect, only one filler is used.

Any metal that is solid at room temperature may be used as the filler in the present invention. For example, the metal may be a transition metal or a post-transition metal. As used herein, the term "late transition metal" includes, for example, aluminum gallium, lead, tin, thallium, indium, and bismuth.

In one aspect, the metal is selected from the group consisting of silver, gold, copper, nickel, iron, zinc, aluminum, and combinations thereof. Any metal alloy may also be used, such as any transition metal alloy or post-transition metal alloy. One example of a suitable alloy is steel, such as ferritic steel.

The carbon may be in the form of graphite, graphene oxide, carbon black, carbon nanotubes, and combinations thereof. The carbon may also be at least partially coated with a metal. For example, one suitable filler is nickel plated carbon powder.

Suitable carbides include, for example, silicon carbide, boron carbide, titanium carbide, and tungsten carbide.

Suitable nitrides include, for example, aluminum nitride.

Suitable oxides include, for example, zinc oxide.

The filler may be in the form of flakes, powder and/or fibers.

The filler may be of any suitable size or dimension. For example, in one aspect, the filler has an average longest dimension of about 1nm to about 1000 nm. In one aspect, the filler is a nano-or micro-sized filler.

In one aspect, the filler is electrically conductive. Thus, in one aspect, the polymer composition includes (i) a polymer and (ii) a conductive filler.

In one aspect, the polymer composition consists essentially of (i) a polymer and (ii) a conductive filler.

In one aspect, the polymer composition consists of (i) a polymer and (ii) a conductive filler.

In one aspect, the filler has about 10 ^-4 Ohmic or less surface resistance (sometimes referred to as surface resistivity in ohms/square or Ω/sq). The surface resistance can be measured according to MIL-DTL-83528.

Suitable polymer compositions for forming the electromagnetic shielding members are commercially available (e.g., from An Tepu engineering plastics (RTP) and Parker Chomerics), and may also be formulated by the skilled artisan, e.g., using the polymers and fillers described above. Suitable commercially available polymer compositions include Premier from Parker Chomerics ^TM PBT-225 and Premier ^TM PEI-140。

In one aspect, the polymer composition has a shielding effectiveness of at least about 20dB, 30dB, 40dB, 50dB, or 60dB when measured at 30 MHz. The maximum shielding effectiveness may be about 90dB, about 80dB, or about 70dB when measured at 30 MHz. Thus, in one aspect, the polymer composition has a shielding effectiveness of about 20dB to about 90dB, such as about 30dB to about 80dB, or about 40dB to about 70dB, when measured at 30 MHz.

Alternatively or additionally, the polymer composition has an average shielding effectiveness of at least about 10dB, 20dB, 30dB, 40dB, 50dB, or 60dB when measured at 30MHz to 1500 MHz. The maximum average shielding effectiveness may be about 90dB, about 80dB, or about 70dB when measured at 30MHz to 1500 MHz. Thus, in one aspect, the polymer composition has an average shielding effectiveness of about 10dB to about 90dB, such as about 30dB to about 80dB, or about 40dB to about 70dB, when measured at 30MHz to 1500 MHz.

In one aspect, the polymer composition has a shielding effectiveness of at least about 10dB, 20dB, 30dB, 40dB, 50dB, or 60dB when measured at 150 kHz. The maximum shielding effectiveness may be about 90dB, about 80dB, or about 70dB when measured at 150 kHz. Thus, in one aspect, the polymer composition has a shielding effectiveness of about 10dB to about 90dB, such as about 30dB to about 80dB, or about 40dB to about 70dB, when measured at 150 kHz.

Alternatively or additionally, the polymer composition has an average shielding effectiveness of at least about 10dB, 20dB, 30dB, 40dB, 50dB, or 60dB when measured at 0 to 13.56 MHz. The maximum average shielding effectiveness may be about 90dB, about 80dB, or about 70dB when measured at 0 to 13.56 MHz. Thus, in one aspect, the polymer composition has an average shielding effectiveness of about 10dB to about 90dB, such as about 30dB to about 80dB, or about 40dB to about 70dB, when measured at 0 to 13.56 MHz.

In each case, the shielding effectiveness was measured according to ASTM D4935-18.

In general, the total amount of shielding effectiveness of the electromagnetic shielding member will be equal to the reflection loss and the absorption loss. In general, the greater the conductivity, permeability, thickness and frequency, the greater the attenuation of electromagnetic radiation due to absorption; and the greater the conductivity and the lower the frequency, the greater the amount of electromagnetic radiation that is reflected.

In one aspect, the polymer composition has a surface resistance of about 10 ⁵ Ohmic or less, such as about 10 ⁴ Ohmic or less, about 100 ohms or less, or about 10 ohms or less. The surface resistance of the polymer composition may be about 0.01 ohm or greater, such as about 0.01 ohm to about 10 ohm, or about 0.03 ohm to about 5 ohm.

In one aspect, the average thickness of the polymer composition is from about 0.10mm to about 2mm, such as from about 0.15mm to about 1.5mm or from about 0.20mm to about 0.5mm.

In one aspect, the electromagnetic shielding member has a thickness of about 0.10mm to about 2mm, such as about 0.15mm to about 1.5mm or about 0.20mm to about 0.5mm.

In some examples, the apparatus further comprises a temperature sensor in contact with the induction coil to measure a temperature of the induction coil. When the electromagnetic shielding member is in contact with the induction coil, the temperature sensor can more accurately measure the temperature of the induction coil.

The induction coil may extend around the susceptor/receiving portion in a spiral manner. The susceptor may define a longitudinal axis such that the electromagnetic shielding member extends in an azimuthal direction about the longitudinal axis, thereby forming a complete tubular structure or a partial tubular structure.

The aerosol provision means may comprise two or more induction coils. For example, a first induction coil may extend around a first portion of the receiver/susceptor and a second induction coil may extend around a second portion of the receiver/susceptor. The first and second induction coils may be arranged adjacent to each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the receiving portion/susceptor. In such an arrangement, the electromagnetic shielding member may be in contact with and extend at least partially around the first and second induction coils.

In some examples, the aerosol supply device includes a susceptor, and the susceptor defines a receptacle.

In some examples, the device includes two or more induction coils arranged along the length of the susceptor, and between each adjacent induction coil, the device includes a radially extending wall, such as a gasket.

In some examples, a radially extending wall may extend at least partially around the susceptor to separate each induction coil. It has been found that such radially extending walls serve to decouple the induction coils, which means that each coil acts independently, i.e. no or less induction effect is present in adjacent non-operational coils. Thus, the magnetic flux from each induction coil may be more localized. In some examples, the wall can help direct/concentrate energy into the article at the location of the wall, which can mean that the total number of coils can be reduced. The radially extending wall can act as a sleeve around the susceptor. The radially extending wall may be coaxial with the susceptor. Radially extending may mean that the wall extends in a direction parallel to the radius of the tubular susceptor.

In some examples, the wall is attached to the susceptor, i.e., the wall is in contact with the susceptor. For example, the wall may extend from the susceptor to the induction coil. In other examples, the wall is not attached to the susceptor. For example, the wall may extend from an outer surface of the insulating member. In one example, the wall and susceptor are made of the same material. In a specific example, the wall comprises ferrite.

Thus, in one example, an aerosol provision device is provided comprising a susceptor, a first induction coil extending around a first region of the susceptor, and a second induction coil extending around a second region of the susceptor, wherein the device further comprises a radially extending electromagnetic shielding member arranged between the first induction coil and the second induction coil. The electromagnetic shielding members and devices may include any of the features described above and herein.

The electromagnetic shielding member arrangement may create a thermal barrier between the thermal susceptor and the housing/case of the device. In examples, the housing of the device is maintained below about 75 ℃, such as below about 70 ℃, 60 ℃, 55 ℃, or 48 ℃. In other examples, the housing of the device is maintained below 45 ℃ or below 43 ℃ during use. In some examples, the housing of the device is maintained below 43 ℃ for at least 3 or 4 subsequent heating periods. The period of time includes heating the article for a period of time between about 3 minutes and about 4 minutes until the aerosol-generating material is depleted. The use of electromagnetic shielding members on the induction coil can reduce the surface temperature of the housing by up to 3 ℃. Additional or alternative insulating features, such as the use of an air gap between the susceptor and the insulating member, may also maintain the temperature of the enclosure below about 48 ℃.

Thus, in a further aspect, the aerosol-supply device comprises an induction coil and a susceptor configured to heat the aerosol-generating material, wherein the induction coil is arranged to heat the susceptor. The device comprises a housing forming at least a portion of an outer surface of the aerosol supply device, wherein the outer surface of the housing is positioned away from the outer surface of the susceptor. In use, the temperature of the outer surface is maintained below about 75 ℃, such as below about 70 ℃, 60 ℃, 55 ℃, or about 48 ℃.

Thus, the device is maintained below about 75 ℃, such as below about 70 ℃, 60 ℃, 55 ℃, or about 48 ℃ for at least one heating period. In some examples, in use, the temperature of the outer surface is maintained below about 43 ℃.

In one aspect, in use, the temperature of the outer surface is maintained below about 43 ℃ for a period of at least three heating periods, wherein the heating periods last for at least 180 seconds. Thus, in use, the temperature of the outer surface is maintained below about 43 ℃ for a period of at least 540 seconds. The heating period means that the susceptor is continuously heated during this time. In some examples, the average temperature of the susceptor during the heating period is between about 240 ℃ and about 300 ℃. Preferably, the heating periods are performed immediately (i.e., begin within less than about 30 seconds, or less than about 20 seconds, or less than about 10 seconds of each other).

In another aspect, in use, the temperature of the outer surface is maintained below about 43 ℃ for a period of at least four heating periods.

In some examples, the heating period lasts at least 210 seconds.

The apparatus may further include an electromagnetic shielding member in contact with the coil and extending at least partially around the coil. The electromagnetic shielding member may comprise any or all of the features described above in relation to the first and second aspects.

The device may further comprise an insulating member at least partially covering or extending around the susceptor. The insulating member may help maintain the temperature of the outer surface below about 48 ℃. In some examples, the insulating member is disposed away from the susceptor to provide an air gap around the susceptor. The air gap provides an additional thermal barrier.

The insulating member may have a thickness of between about 0.25mm and about 1 mm. The insulating member (and any air gap between susceptor and insulating member) helps to insulate the enclosure from the heated susceptor. The insulating member may be composed of any insulating material, such as, for example, plastic. In a specific example, the insulating member is composed of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Polyetheretherketone has good heat insulating properties and is very suitable for use in aerosol provision devices.

In another example, the insulating member may include mica or mica-glass ceramic. These materials have good insulating properties.

The insulating member may have a thermal conductivity of less than about 0.5W/mK or less than about 0.4W/mK. For example, the thermal conductivity may be about 0.3W/mK. The polyetheretherketone has a thermal conductivity of about 0.32W/mK.

The insulating member may have a melting point greater than about 320 ℃, such as greater than about 300 ℃, or greater than about 340 ℃. The polyetheretherketone has a melting point of 343 ℃. An insulating member with such a melting point ensures that the insulating member remains rigid/solid when the susceptor is heated.

The inner surface of the outer cover may be disposed away from the outer surface of the insulating member by a distance greater than 0mm and less than about 3 mm. This amount of separation distance may provide sufficient insulation to ensure that the enclosure does not become too hot. Air may be located between the outer surface of the insulating member and the outer cover. In one aspect, the inner surface of the housing is not in direct contact with the insulating member. This may avoid the presence of a heat conduction path between the inner surface of the housing and the insulating member.

In use, the induction coil may be configured to heat the susceptor to a temperature between about 200 ℃ and about 300 ℃. In use, the induction coil may be configured to heat the susceptor to a temperature of about 350 ℃.

The induction coil may be substantially helical. The induction coil may be a helical coil. For example, the induction coil may be formed from a wire, such as litz wire, that is helically wound around a coil support.

The induction coil, susceptor and insulating member may be coaxial.

In some examples, in use, the induction coil is configured to heat the susceptor to a temperature between about 200 ℃ and about 350 ℃, such as between about 240 ℃ and about 300 ℃, or between about 250 ℃ and about 280 ℃.

The inner surface of the outer cover may be disposed away from the outer surface of the susceptor by a distance of between about 4mm and about 6 mm. The distance is the distance between the outer surface of the susceptor and the inner surface of the housing at the point closest to the two surfaces. Thus, the distance may be the minimum distance between the outer surface of the susceptor and the inner surface of the housing. In one example, the distance may be measured between the susceptor and a side surface of the device. It has been found that when the enclosure is positioned at this distance away from the susceptor, the enclosure is sufficiently thermally isolated from the heated susceptor to maintain the enclosure surface temperature below 48 ℃ while reducing the size and weight of the device. Thus, a distance in this range represents a good balance between insulation properties and device size.

In one example, the inner surface of the housing is disposed away from the outer surface of the susceptor by a distance of between about 5mm to about 6 mm. Preferably, the inner surface of the outer cover is disposed away from the outer surface of the susceptor by a distance of between about 5mm and about 5.5mm, such as a distance of between about 5.3mm and about 5.4 mm. Distances within this range of distances provide better insulation while also ensuring that the device remains small and lightweight. In a specific example, the distance is 5.3mm.

The device may further comprise at least one insulating layer disposed between the housing and the susceptor. The insulating layer insulates the housing from the susceptor.

The insulating layer may be located in any or all of the following positions: (i) between the susceptor and the insulating member, (ii) between the insulating member and the coil, (iii) between the coil and the enclosure. In (ii), the insulating member may have a smaller outer diameter to provide space for the insulating layer. Additionally or alternatively, the coil may have a larger inner diameter to provide space for the insulation layer. The insulating layer may comprise a plurality of layers of material.

The insulating layer may be provided from any of the following materials: (i) air (air has a thermal conductivity of about 0.02W/mK); (ii) Polyimide aerogels, such as (polyimide aerogel has a thermal conductivity between about 0.03W/mK and about 0.04W/mK); (iii) Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) (polyetheretherketone may have a thermal conductivity of about 0.25W/mK in some examples); (iv) a ceramic cloth (having a specific heat of about 1.13 kJ/kgK); (v) a heat conductive paste.

In some examples, the outer surface of the housing includes a coating. The coating and/or the housing may have a high thermal conductivity. For example, the thermal conductivity may be greater than about 200W/mK. The relatively high thermal conductivity ensures that heat is dispersed throughout the enclosure, which in turn is lost to the atmosphere, thereby cooling the device. In a specific example, the coating is a soft touch paint.

In some examples, the apparatus includes a temperature sensor arranged to measure the temperature of the battery. The apparatus may include a controller configured to stop heating the apparatus when the temperature of the battery is equal to or greater than a threshold temperature. The threshold temperature may be, for example, about 45 ℃ or 50 ℃.

The inner surface of the outer cover may be disposed away from the outer surface of the susceptor by a distance of between about 4mm and about 6 mm. The distance is the distance between the outer surface of the susceptor and the inner surface of the enclosure at the nearest point of the two surfaces. Thus, the distance may be the minimum distance between the outer surface of the susceptor and the inner surface of the housing. In one example, the distance may be measured between the susceptor and a side surface of the device. It has been found that when the enclosure is positioned away from the susceptor at this distance, the enclosure is sufficiently thermally insulated from the heated susceptor to avoid discomfort or injury to the user, while reducing the size and weight of the device. Thus, a distance in this range represents a good balance between insulation properties and device size.

The housing may also be referred to as a shell. The housing may completely surround the device or may extend partially around the device. In one example, the inner surface of the housing is disposed away from the outer surface of the susceptor by a distance of between about 5mm to about 6 mm. Preferably, the inner surface of the outer cover is disposed away from the outer surface of the susceptor by a distance of between about 5mm and about 5.5mm, such as a distance of between about 5.3mm and about 5.4 mm. Spacing within this distance provides better insulation while also ensuring that the device remains small and lightweight. In a specific example, the spacing is 5.3mm.

In some examples, in use, the coil is configured to heat the susceptor to a temperature between about 240 ℃ and about 300 ℃, such as a temperature between about 250 ℃ and about 280 ℃. When the enclosure is spaced from the susceptor by at least that distance, the temperature of the enclosure is maintained at a safe level, such as less than about 48 ℃, or less than about 43 ℃.

In some examples, an air gap is formed between the coil and the housing. The air gap provides thermal insulation.

The inner surface of the housing may be disposed away from the outer surface of the coil by a distance of between about 0.2mm to about 1 mm. In some examples, the coil itself may heat up when it is used to induce a magnetic field, such as from resistive heating due to current passing through the coil to induce a magnetic field. Providing a space between the coil and the enclosure ensures that the heated coil is thermally insulated from the enclosure. In some examples, the electromagnetic shielding member is located between an inner surface of the housing and the coil. This additionally helps to insulate the inner surface of the housing.

In one example, the coil includes litz wire, and the litz wire has a circular-shaped cross section. In such examples, the inner surface of the housing is disposed a distance away from the outer surface of the coil, such as a distance of about 0.25mm, of between about 0.2mm to about 0.5mm or between about 0.2mm to about 0.3 mm.

In one example, the coil includes litz wire, and the litz wire has a rectangular-shaped cross section. In such examples, the inner surface of the housing is disposed a distance between about 0.5mm and about 1mm or between about 0.8mm and about 1mm away from the outer surface of the coil, such as a distance of about 0.9 mm. Litz wire having a circular cross-section may be arranged closer to the housing than litz wire having a rectangular cross-section, because the wire having a circular cross-section has a smaller surface area exposed towards the housing.

The inner surface of the coil may be disposed away from the outer surface of the susceptor by a distance of between about 3mm and about 4 mm.

The housing may comprise aluminum. Aluminum has good heat dissipation properties. The housing may have a thermal conductivity between about 200W/mK and about 220W/mK. For example, aluminum has a thermal conductivity of about 209W/mK. Thus, the enclosure may have a relatively high thermal conductivity to ensure that the heat of the enclosure is dispersed throughout the enclosure, which in turn is lost to the atmosphere, thereby cooling the device.

The outer cover may have a thickness of between about 0.75mm and about 2 mm. Thus, the outer cover may also act as a thermal barrier. These thicknesses provide a good balance between providing good insulation and reducing the size and weight of the device. Preferably, the outer cover has a thickness of between about 0.75mm and about 1.25mm, such as about 1mm.

Fig. 1 shows an example of an aerosol-supplying device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating medium/material. In general terms, the device 100 may be used to heat a replaceable article 110 containing an aerosol-generating medium to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of the device 100. The device 100 includes a housing 102 (in the form of an enclosure) that surrounds and contains the various components of the device 100. The device 100 has an opening 104 at one end through which the article 110 may be inserted for heating by a heating assembly. In use, the article 110 may be fully or partially inserted into a heating assembly where the article may be heated by one or more components of the heater assembly.

The device 100 of this example includes a first end member 106 that includes a cover 108 that is movable relative to the first end member 106 to close the opening 104 when no article 110 is in place. In fig. 1, the lid 108 is shown in an open configuration, however the lid 108 may be moved to a closed configuration. For example, the user may slide the cover 108 in the direction of arrow "a".

The device 100 may also include a control element 112 that can be operated by a user, such as a button or switch that operates the device 100 when pressed. For example, the user may turn on the device 100 by operating the switch 112.

The device 100 may also include electrical components such as a socket/port 114 that may receive a cable to charge the battery of the device 100. For example, the receptacle 114 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port.

Fig. 2 depicts the device 100 of fig. 1 with the cover 102 removed and the article 110 absent. The device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 134.

As shown in fig. 2, the first end member 106 is disposed at one end of the device 100 and the second end member 116 is disposed at the other end of the device 100. The first end member 106 and the second end member 116 together at least partially define an end surface of the device 100. For example, the bottom surface of the second end member 116 at least partially defines the bottom surface of the device 100. The edges of the housing 102 may also define a portion of the end surface. In this example, the cover 108 also defines a portion of the top surface of the device 100. The end of the device closest to the opening 104 may be referred to as the proximal (or mouth end) of the device 100, as in use it is closest to the user's mouth. In use, a user inserts the article 110 into the opening 104, operates the user control element 112 to begin heating the aerosol-generating material and drawing the aerosol generated in the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along a flow path toward the proximal end of the device 100.

The other end of the device furthest from the mouth 104 may be referred to as the distal end of the device 100, as in use it is the end furthest from the user's mouth. As the user aspirates the aerosol generated in the device, the aerosol flows away from the distal end of the device 100.

The apparatus 100 also includes a power supply 118. The power source 118 may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The battery is electrically coupled to the heating assembly to supply electrical power to heat the aerosol-generating material when needed and under the control of a controller (not shown). In this example, the battery is connected to a center support 120 that holds the battery 118 in place.

The apparatus further comprises at least one electronic module 122. The electronic module 122 may include, for example, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The PCB 122 may support at least one controller (such as a processor) and memory. PCB 122 may also include one or more electrical tracks to electrically connect the various electronic components of device 100 together. For example, battery terminals may be electrically connected to PCB 122 so that power may be distributed throughout device 100. The receptacle 114 may also be electrically coupled to the battery via electrical rails. In the exemplary device 100, the heating assembly is an induction heating assembly and includes various components that heat the aerosol-generating material of the article 110 via an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conductive object, such as a susceptor, by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may comprise an induction element (e.g. one or more induction coils) and means for passing a varying current (such as an alternating current) through the induction element. The varying current in the inductive element generates a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates the susceptor, which is suitably positioned with respect to the inductive element, and eddy currents are generated inside the susceptor. The susceptor has an electrical resistance to eddy currents and thus the flow of eddy currents against the resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by joule heating. Where the susceptor comprises a ferromagnetic material (such as iron, nickel or cobalt), heat may also be generated by hysteresis losses in the susceptor (i.e., by the varying orientation of the magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material due to their alignment with the varying magnetic field). In induction heating, heat is generated inside the susceptor, enabling rapid heating, as compared to heating by conduction, for example. Further, no physical contact is required between the induction heating assembly and the susceptor, thereby enabling enhanced freedom of construction and application.

The induction heating component of the exemplary apparatus 100 includes a susceptor arrangement 132 (referred to herein as a "susceptor"), a first induction coil 124, and a second induction coil 126. The first and second induction coils 124 and 126 are made of an electrically conductive material. In this example, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 are made of litz wire/cable that is wound in a spiral fashion to provide spiral induction coils 124, 126. The litz wire comprises a plurality of individual wires which are individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wire is designed to reduce skin effect losses in conductors. In the exemplary apparatus 100, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 are made of copper litz wire having a rectangular cross-section. In other examples, the litz wire may have cross-sections of other shapes, such as circular. The first induction coil 124 is configured to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating a first section of the susceptor 132 and the second induction coil 126 is configured to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second section of the susceptor 132. In this example, the first induction coil 124 is adjacent to the second induction coil 126 in a direction along the longitudinal axis 134 of the device 100 (i.e., the first induction coil 124 and the second induction coil 126 do not overlap). The susceptor arrangement 132 may comprise a single susceptor, or two or more separate susceptors. An end 130 of the first induction coil 124 and an end of the second induction coil 126 may be connected to the PCB 122.

It should be appreciated that in some examples, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 may have at least one characteristic that is different from one another. For example, the first induction coil 124 may have at least one characteristic different from the second induction coil 126. More specifically, in one example, the first induction coil 124 may have a different inductance value than the second induction coil 126. In fig. 2, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 have different lengths such that the first induction coil 124 is wound on a smaller section of the susceptor 132 than the second induction coil 126. Thus, the first induction coil 124 may include a different number of turns than the second induction coil 126 (assuming that the spacing between the turns is substantially the same). In yet another example, the first induction coil 124 may be made of a different material than the second induction coil 126. In some examples, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 may be substantially identical.

In this example, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 are wound in opposite directions. This may be useful when the induction coils are active at different times. For example, initially, the first induction coil 124 may be operated to heat a first section of the article 110, and at a later time, the second induction coil 126 may be operated to heat a second section of the article 110. When used in conjunction with a particular type of control circuit, winding the coil in opposite directions helps reduce the current induced in the inactive coil. In fig. 2, the first induction coil 124 is right-handed and the second induction coil 126 is left-handed. However, in another embodiment, the induction coils 124, 126 may be wound in the same direction, or the first induction coil 124 may be a left spiral and the second induction coil 126 may be a right spiral.

The susceptor 132 of this example is hollow and thus defines a receiving portion within which the aerosol-generating material is received. For example, the article 110 may be inserted into the susceptor 132. In this example, susceptor 120 is tubular, having a circular cross-section.

The apparatus 100 of fig. 2 also includes an insulating member 128, which may be generally tubular and at least partially surrounds the susceptor 132. The insulating member 128 may be constructed of any insulating material, such as, for example, plastic. In this particular example, the insulating member is composed of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The insulating member 128 may help isolate the various components of the device 100 from heat generated in the susceptor 132.

The insulating member 128 may also fully or partially support the first and second induction coils 124, 126. For example, as shown in fig. 2, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 are disposed around the insulating member 128 and in contact with a radially outward surface of the insulating member 128. In some examples, the insulating member 128 does not abut the first and second induction coils 124, 126. For example, a small gap may exist between the outer surface of the insulating member 128 and the inner surfaces of the first and second induction coils 124, 126.

In a specific example, the susceptor 132, the insulating member 128, and the first and second induction coils 124, 126 are coaxial about a central longitudinal axis of the susceptor 132.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the device 100 in partial cross-section. In this example there is a housing 102. The rectangular cross-sectional shape of the first and second induction coils 124, 126 is more clearly visible. The apparatus 100 also includes a support 136 that engages one end of the susceptor 132 to hold the susceptor 132 in place. The support 136 is connected to the second end member 116.

The apparatus may also include a second printed circuit board 138 associated with the control element 112.

The device 100 further comprises a second cover/cap 140 and a spring 142 arranged towards the distal end of the device 100. The spring 142 enables the second cover 140 to be opened to provide access to the sensor 132. The user may open the second cover 140 to clean the susceptor 132 and/or the support 136.

The device 100 also includes an expansion chamber 144 that extends away from the proximal end of the susceptor 132 toward the opening 104 of the device. The retaining clip 146 is at least partially positioned within the expansion chamber 144 to abut and retain the article 110 when received within the device 100. Expansion chamber 144 is connected to end member 106.

Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the device 100 of fig. 1, with the housing 102 omitted.

Fig. 5A depicts a cross-section of a portion of the device 100 of fig. 1. Fig. 5B depicts a close-up of the area of fig. 5A. Fig. 5A and 5B illustrate the article 110 received within the susceptor 132, wherein the article 110 is sized such that an outer surface of the article 110 abuts an inner surface of the susceptor 132. This ensures that the heating is most efficient. The article 110 of this example includes an aerosol-generating material 110a. The aerosol-generating material 110a is disposed within the susceptor 132. The article 110 may also include other components, such as filters, packaging materials, and/or cooling structures.

Fig. 5B shows that the outer surface of the susceptor 132 is spaced from the inner surfaces of the induction coils 124, 126 by a distance 150, measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132. In one specific example, the distance 150 is about 3mm to 4mm, about 3mm to 3.5mm, or about 3.25mm.

Fig. 5B also shows that the outer surface of the insulating member 128 is spaced from the inner surfaces of the induction coils 124, 126 by a distance 152, measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132. In one specific example, distance 152 is about 0.05mm. In another example, the distance 152 is substantially 0mm such that the induction coils 124, 126 abut and contact the insulating member 128.

In one example, susceptor 132 has a wall thickness 154 of about 0.025mm to 1mm or about 0.05 mm.

In one example, susceptor 132 has a length of about 40mm to 60mm, about 40mm to 45mm, or about 44.5 mm.

In one example, the insulating member 128 has a wall thickness 156 of about 0.25mm to 2mm, 0.25mm to 1mm, or about 0.5 mm.

Fig. 6 depicts a perspective view of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 122, a susceptor 132, a first induction coil 124, and a second induction coil 126. In this example, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 are made of wire having a circular cross-section. The first end 130a and the second end 130b of the first induction coil 124 are connected to the PCB 122. Similarly, a first end 130c and a second end 130d of the second inductive coil 126 are connected to the PCB 122. In some examples, there may be only one induction coil.

The electromagnetic shield member 202 extends around the first and second induction coils 124, 126. The electromagnetic shielding member 202 is in contact with and surrounds the first and second induction coils 124, 126 to protect other components of the apparatus 100 and/or other objects from electromagnetic radiation generated within the susceptor and/or within the first and second induction coils 124, 126. The electromagnetic shielding member 202 is shown as transparent to clearly illustrate the induction coils 124, 126 and susceptor 132 disposed within the electromagnetic shielding member 202.

Although fig. 6 depicts the electromagnetic shielding member 202 as being in contact with an induction coil, it will be immediately apparent to those skilled in the art that the electromagnetic shielding member 202 may be located anywhere in the device. For example, an insulating member or air gap may exist between the electromagnetic shielding member 202 and the induction coil. In one aspect, the electromagnetic shielding member 202 may be directly adjacent to the outer surface of the device (on the interior of the device). In another aspect, the electromagnetic shielding member 202 may form at least a portion of an outer surface of the device.

The susceptor 132 receives the article 110 and thus defines a receiving portion configured to receive an aerosol-generating material. In other examples (not shown), the susceptor 132 is part of the article 110, not part of the device 100, and thus other components may define the receiving portion. The receiver/susceptor 132 defines an axis 158, such as a longitudinal axis 158, about which the electromagnetic shielding member 202 is wrapped.

As discussed above, the electromagnetic shielding member 202 includes one or more polymeric components that function as a shield against electromagnetic radiation.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the first end 130a and the second end 130b of the first induction coil 124 may pass through a notch/opening/aperture formed in the electromagnetic shielding member 202. These notches may enable the electromagnetic shield member 202 to more tightly wrap the first and second induction coils 124, 126.

Fig. 8A schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an aerosol provision system 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol provision system 200 comprises two main components, namely an aerosol provision device 203 and an aerosol-generating article 204.

The aerosol provision device 203 comprises a housing 221, a power supply 222, control circuitry 223, a plurality of aerosol-generating components 224, a receiving portion or aerosol-forming chamber 225, a mouthpiece end 226, an air inlet 227, an air outlet 228, a touch sensitive panel 229, a suction sensor 230 and an end of use indicator 231.

The housing 221 may be made of any suitable material, such as a plastic material. In one aspect, the housing is made from the same polymer composition disclosed herein. That is, the housing may form the electromagnetic shielding member 202.

The housing 221 is arranged such that the power supply 222, the control circuit 223, the aerosol-generating component 224, the receiving portion 225 and the puff sensor 230 are located within the housing 221. The housing 221 also defines an air inlet 227 and an air outlet 228. The touch sensitive panel 229 and end of use indicator are located outside the housing 221.

In the depicted implementation, the aerosol-supply device 203 further comprises a receiving portion 225 arranged to receive the aerosol-generating article 204.

The aerosol-generating article 204 comprises a carrier component, an aerosol-generating material 244 and a susceptor element 244B, as shown in more detail in fig. 8B to 8D. Fig. 8B is a top view of the article 204, fig. 8C is an end view along a longitudinal (length) axis of the article 204, and fig. 8D is a side view along a width axis of the article 204.

Fig. 8A-8D illustrate an aerosol provision system 200 that uses induction to heat an aerosol-generating material 244 to generate an aerosol for inhalation. In the described implementation, the aerosol-generating component 224 is formed from two parts; namely an inductive heating element such as an inductive coil 224a located in the aerosol-supplying device 203 and a susceptor 224b located in the aerosol-generating article 204. In an embodiment, the induction heating element may comprise one or more of the following: (i) A flat spiral coil, wherein the spiral coil comprises a circular or oval spiral, a square or rectangular spiral, a trapezoidal spiral or a triangular spiral; (ii) A multilayer inductive arrangement wherein subsequent full or partial turns of the coil are disposed on adjacent layers, optionally wherein a first layer is spaced apart from a second layer in a first direction and a third layer is spaced apart from the second layer in an opposite direction to lie in or adjacent to the first layer such that the multilayer inductive arrangement forms a staggered structure; or (iii) a three-dimensional induction coil, such as a regular spiral or conical induction coil, optionally with varying spiral spacing.

Thus, in the embodiments described herein, each aerosol-generating component 224 comprises elements distributed between the aerosol-generating article 204 and the aerosol-supply device 203.

As seen in fig. 8C and 8D, the carrier member 242 includes a plurality of susceptors 224b corresponding in size and location to discrete portions of the aerosol-generating material 244 disposed on the surface of the carrier member 242. That is, the susceptor 224b has a width and length similar to the discrete portions of aerosol-generating material 244.

The susceptor is shown embedded in a carrier member 242. However, in other implementations, the susceptor 224b may be disposed on a surface of the carrier member 242. In another embodiment (not shown), the susceptor may be provided as a layer substantially covering the carrier member.

The aerosol provision device 203 comprises a plurality of induction coils 224a schematically shown in fig. 8A. Induction coil 224a is shown adjacent to receptacle 225 and is a generally flat coil arranged such that the axis of rotation about which a given coil is wound extends into receptacle 225 (e.g., parallel to the z-axis as shown in fig. 8A) and is generally perpendicular to the plane of carrier member 242 of article 204. The exact winding is not shown in fig. 8A, and it should be understood that any suitable induction coil may be used.

Fig. 9A and 9B are two different examples of substantially planar or flat induction coils.

Fig. 9A shows a trapezoidal shaped sensing arrangement 1000. The trapezoidal shaped inductive arrangement may comprise conductive tracks 1001, for example copper tracks. As shown, the conductive track 1001 may be formed as an induction coil having a substantially trapezoidal shape, wherein the substantially trapezoidal shape includes: a first oblique side 1002; a second sloping side 1003; a long side 1004; and a short side 1005 shorter in length than the long side 1004.

Referring to fig. 9B, an embodiment of a substantially planar induction coil comprising a layered induction arrangement 90 is shown, wherein the layered induction arrangement 90 is a dual layer dual coil induction arrangement 90 comprising a first layer 91 and a second layer 92. The layered sensing arrangement 90 of fig. 9B is shown as a trapezoidal shaped sensing arrangement, however it should be appreciated that the layered sensing arrangement may have any number of shapes, such as circular, square, rectangular, etc., or be irregularly shaped. The first layer 91 includes one or more first conductive wires or tracks 91a and the second layer 92 includes one or more second conductive wires or tracks 92a. As shown in fig. 9, the first conductive wire or track 91a and the second conductive wire or track 92a may be concentric and substantially overlap when viewed from a layer-facing perspective. One or more conductive coupling portions 93 connect one or more first conductive wires or tracks 91a to a second conductive wire or track 92a. In an embodiment, the layered sensing arrangement 90 may be formed in the form of a printed circuit board, wherein a vertical plane may be used and a lower aspect ratio (ratio of height to width of copper track) is added, which further enhances the effect. It has been found that connecting the wires or tracks vertically rather than horizontally further enhances the interconnection or capacitive connection of the wires while minimizing the phase shift between them.

Thus, in an embodiment, the induction coil is a substantially planar coil defining: a first substantially planar surface on a first side of the induction coil (e.g., a normal to the first surface is directed toward the receptacle 225 along the z-axis to face the receptacle), a second substantially planar surface on a second side of the induction coil opposite the first side (e.g., a normal to the second surface is directed in a direction opposite the normal to the first surface along the z-axis to face away from the receptacle 225), and a perimeter surface connecting the first and second substantially planar surfaces (e.g., the surfaces defining edges 1002-1005 in fig. 9A).

Referring back to fig. 8A-8D, an electromagnetic shielding member 302 (indicated by a dashed line) covers the induction coil 224a. The electromagnetic shielding member 302 may be in contact with and substantially cover the induction coil 224a to protect other components of the device 203 and/or other objects from electromagnetic radiation generated within the susceptor and/or induction coil 224a. For example, the electromagnetic shielding member 302 may extend substantially around the receiving portion 225 to surround both the induction coil 224a and the receiving portion 225 in which the susceptor 224b is disposed.

However, it should be appreciated that other designs of electromagnetic shielding member 302 are possible, for example in the form of a cap (not shown) corresponding to one or more of the plurality of induction coils 224a, to cover a second surface of the one or more induction coils 224a facing away from the receiving portion 225 and a peripheral surface of the one or more induction coils 224a.

As discussed above, electromagnetic shielding member 302 includes a polymer composition that serves as a shield against one or more components of electromagnetic radiation.

One or more ends 224c of each induction coil 224a may pass through a notch/opening/aperture formed in electromagnetic shield member 302. These notches enable electromagnetic shield member 302 to more tightly wrap induction coil 224a. Furthermore, the electromagnetic shielding member 302 may include additional notches/openings/apertures such that the air flow path between the air inlet 227 and the air outlet 228 is unobstructed by the electromagnetic shielding member 302.

Although an inductively heated aerosol supply system has been described above in which the induction coil 224a and susceptor 224b are distributed between the article 204 and the device 203, an inductively heated aerosol supply system in which the induction coil 224a and susceptor 224b are located only within the device 203 may be provided. For example, referring to fig. 8B-8C, a susceptor 224B may be disposed above the induction coil 224a and arranged such that the susceptor 224B contacts the lower surface of the carrier member 242.

Fig. 10A shows a schematic view of a portion of the aerosol provision device 303. The device 303 has an article 304 containing an aerosol-generating medium within the device 303. The combination of the device 303 and the article 304 forms the aerosol provision system 300.

The article 304 has a first surface 312 that includes an aerosol-generating medium. In the described embodiment, the article comprises a carrier layer 311 (sometimes referred to herein as a carrier support layer or matrix support layer) having a first surface on which the aerosol-generating medium is located. In this embodiment, the combination of the surface of the carrier layer 311 and the aerosol-generating material forms the first surface 312 of the article 304. In the depicted embodiment, the aerosol-generating medium may be arranged as a plurality of media tablets 44. The article 304 has a second surface 316 facing the first surface 312. The second surface 316 faces the first surface 312, and one or both of the first surface 312 and the second surface 316 may be smooth or rough. In the depicted embodiment, the second surface 316 is formed by the carrier layer 311. That is, the carrier layer 311 has a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface, wherein the aerosol-generating material is located on the first surface of the carrier layer 311. The device 303 has an energy source for supplying energy to an induction heating element 324 arranged to face the second surface 316 of the article 304. The energy source for the inductive heating element 324 is an element of the aerosol-supplying device 303 that transfers energy from a power source, such as a battery (not shown), to the aerosol-generating medium 44 to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating medium 44. In such embodiments, the inductive heating element 324 may comprise one or more induction coils that, when energized, generate heat within one or more susceptor elements of the article 304.

The device 303 has a movement mechanism 330 arranged to move the article 304, in particular the portion 44 of aerosol-generating medium (or in some cases the tablet). The portion 44 of aerosol-generating medium is preferably rotatably movable relative to the induction heating element 324 such that the portion of aerosol-generating medium is in this case presented to the induction heating element 324 alone. The device 303 is arranged such that the at least one tablet 44 of aerosol-generating medium rotates about an axis a at an angle θ to the second surface 316. The control circuit 323 is configured to actuate both the inductive heating element 324 and the movement mechanism 330 such that the article 304 rotates to align the discrete portion 44 with the heating element 324. In this embodiment, the article 304 is substantially flat. In this embodiment, the carrier layer 311 of the article 304 may be formed partially or entirely of paper or paperboard.

In some embodiments, the carrier layer 311 of the substrate may be or may include a metal element arranged to be heated by a varying magnetic field.

The degree of heating may be affected by the distance between the metal element and the induction coil.

The article 304 in fig. 10A has a plurality (5) aerosol-generating media tablets (or portions) 44. In other examples, the article 304 may have more or fewer aerosol-generating media tablets 44. In some examples, the article 304 may have aerosol-generating media tablets 44 arranged in discrete tablets as shown in fig. 10A.

In other examples, the tablets 44 may be in the form of a disc, which may be continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction of the article 304. In still other examples, the tablet 44 may be in the form of a ring, or any other shape. The article 304 may or may not have tablets 44 rotationally symmetrically distributed about axis a at the first surface 312. The symmetrical distribution of tablets 44 enables equally positioned tablets (within the rotationally symmetrical distribution) to receive an equal heating distribution from induction heating element 324 as it rotates about axis a, if desired.

The article 304 of the present example includes an aerosol-generating medium disposed on a carrier layer 311 of the article 304. However, in other embodiments, the article 304 may be formed solely from an aerosol-generating medium; that is, in some embodiments, the article 304 is composed entirely of aerosol-generating medium. In such an embodiment, one or more susceptors would be part of the device 303. Alternatively, one or more susceptors may be embedded within the aerosol-generating medium of the article 304, such that the article 304 consists only of the aerosol-generating medium and the susceptors embedded therein. In other embodiments, the article 304 may have a layered structure made of a variety of materials. In one example, the article 304 may have a layer formed of at least one of a thermally conductive material, an inductive material, a permeable material, or an impermeable material.

The arrangement shown in fig. 10A operates by directing (or moving) a plurality of aerosol-generating material tablets to the induction heating element 324. While this arrangement of fig. 10A may slightly increase the complexity of the movement mechanism 330 that provides movement of the article 304, it is beneficial because only one induction heating element 324 is required to heat portions of the aerosol-generating medium. For example, a single heating element 324 in the arrangement of fig. 10A requires only one control mechanism (such as control circuit 323), rather than multiple heaters. Thus, such an arrangement may reduce the cost and control complexity associated with the operation and control of the heating element 324.

The shape of the device 303 may be a cigarette shape (longer in one dimension than the other two dimensions) or may be other shapes. In an example, the device 303 may have a shape that is longer in two dimensions than in another dimension, such as, for example, an optical disc player or the like. Alternatively, the shape may be any shape that is capable of properly receiving the article 304, the energy source for the heating element 324, and the movement mechanism 330.

In addition to the single heating element 324 of fig. 10A and the movement mechanism 330 configured to rotate the article 304 in place of the plurality of heating elements 224 of fig. 8A, it should be understood that the apparatus of fig. 10A may include one or more other features described with respect to fig. 8A, such as a suction sensor.

As shown, the device 303 may include an electromagnetic shielding member 402 that substantially covers the induction heating element 324, but does not block the alternating magnetic field generated by the element 324 from heating one or more susceptors in the article 304 or one or more susceptors adjacent to the article, except for the side of the induction heating element 324 facing the article 304. Electromagnetic shielding member 402 may comprise a polymer composition as described herein.

Referring now to fig. 10B and 10C, an aerosol provision device 303 is shown that includes a lid portion 306 and a base portion 308. The aerosol provision device 303 further comprises a securing mechanism (not shown) configured to engage the cover portion 306 with the base portion 308. The lid portion 306 and the base portion 308, in use, secure the aerosol-generating article 304 in place between the lid portion and the base portion after engagement to prevent relative movement of the aerosol-generating article 304.

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device 302 includes one or more induction heating elements (e.g., heating element 324 in fig. 10B and 10C). As shown in fig. 10B and 10C, the heating element 324 is disposed within or formed as part of the base portion 308. However, alternatively or additionally, one or more induction heating elements may be provided in the cover portion 306. Thus, the lid portion 306 and the base portion 308 engage to prevent relative movement of the aerosol-generating article in a direction toward or away from the one or more heating elements, e.g., to prevent movement of the article 304 in a z-direction (in use) as shown in fig. 10C away from or toward the heating element 324 of the device 302. Although only one induction heating element 324 is shown in fig. 10B and 10C, it should be understood that more than one induction heating element 324 may be provided, such as two or three induction heating elements. The one or more inductive heating elements comprise one or more induction coils for generating a varying magnetic field to heat, in use, one or more susceptor elements (such as metal foil) of the aerosol-generating article held in place by the securing mechanism. As shown in fig. 10B, the inductive heating element 324 may include a trapezoidal inductive heating element similar to that of fig. 9A or 9B.

As shown in fig. 10B and 10C, the one or more induction heating elements 324 define a planar surface. Thus, in use, the securing mechanism is configured to engage the cover portion 306 with the base portion 308 to retain the substantially planar aerosol-generating article 304 in a position parallel to the planar surface (as shown in fig. 10C) to prevent relative movement of the substantially planar aerosol-generating article in a direction substantially perpendicular to the planar surface (such as in the z-direction as shown in fig. 10C).

As will be appreciated, the one or more induction heating elements may comprise a substantially planar heating element, such as a flat spiral induction coil. However, in other embodiments, the one or more heating elements 324 may be non-planar but define a planar surface, such as a tapered induction coil, wherein the bottom surface of the tapered coil defines a planar surface.

As shown in fig. 10B and 10C, the aerosol-supplying device 303 comprises a rotating device 330 configured to rotate the aerosol-generating article 304 about an axis of rotation (as shown in fig. 10C). The rotation means 330 is configured to rotate the aerosol-generating article 304 relative to the induction heating element such that one or more new aerosol-generating regions of the aerosol-generating article 304 are moved into proximity of the heating element. As will be appreciated, in embodiments that include a rotation device 330, the securing mechanism is configured to enable rotation of the aerosol-generating article 304 relative to the heating element while preventing relative movement of the aerosol-generating article in directions other than rotation about the axis of rotation (such as in the z-direction as shown in fig. 10C).

The cap portion 306 may include a gas collection portion 322 and a mouthpiece 314. The gas collection portion 322 may include the mouthpiece 314. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 314 and the air collection portion 322 may be integrally formed with the cap portion 306.

The securing mechanism may include a hinge 334 such that the lid portion 306 is connected to the base portion 308 by the hinge 334 to form a flip-top arrangement. That is, the device 303 may be configured to receive the aerosol-generating article 304 when the hinge 334 is in the open position, e.g., as shown in fig. 10B and 10C. The securing mechanism may be configured to engage the lid portion 306 with the base portion 308 to hold the aerosol-generating article 304 in place within the receptacle formed by the lid portion 306 and the base portion 308 in use to prevent relative movement of the aerosol-generating article when the hinge 334 is in the closed position.

As shown in fig. 10C, the electromagnetic shielding member 402 may substantially cover a surface of the planar induction coil 324 facing away from the article 304 in use. Electromagnetic shielding member 402 can include one or more components comprised of one or more polymer compositions. Except for the specific shape, the electromagnetic shielding member 402 may function in a similar manner as described above with respect to fig. 6-8.

In an embodiment, the aerosol provision device 303 may additionally or alternatively comprise one or more further electromagnetic shielding members 402a, 402b in the cover portion and/or the base portion, the one or more further electromagnetic shielding members being configured to absorb or reflect electromagnetic radiation passing through the cover portion and/or the base portion.

In an embodiment, as shown in fig. 10C, the cover portion 306 may include one or more first clamping elements in the form of protrusions 328 configured to clamp one or more second clamping elements in the form of lips 333 disposed in the base portion 308. As should be appreciated, the protrusion 328 and lip 333 may also include one or more additional electromagnetic shielding members (not shown).

The above embodiments should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol provision device comprising:

an electromagnetic shielding member at least partially covering the induction coil, wherein the electromagnetic shielding member comprises a polymer composition configured to absorb and/or reflect electromagnetic radiation.

2. The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein the polymer composition comprises (i) a polymer and (ii) a filler capable of absorbing and/or reflecting electromagnetic radiation.

3. The aerosol provision device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the polymer composition has a shielding effectiveness of at least about 20dB when measured at 30 MHz.

4. The aerosol provision device of claim 3, wherein the polymer composition has a shielding effectiveness of at least about 40dB when measured at 30 MHz.

5. The aerosol provision device of claim 3, wherein the polymer composition has a shielding effectiveness of from about 30dB to about 80dB when measured at 30 MHz.

6. The aerosol provision device of claim 5, wherein the polymer composition has a shielding effectiveness of from about 40dB to about 70dB when measured at 30 MHz.

7. The aerosol provision device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the polymer composition has a surface resistance of about 10 ⁵ Ohmic or less.

8. The aerosol provision device of claim 7, wherein the polymer composition has a surface resistance of about 10 ⁴ Ohmic or less.

9. The aerosol provision device of claim 8, wherein the polymer composition has a surface resistance of about 100 ohms or less.

10. The aerosol provision device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the surface resistance of the polymer composition is from about 0.01 ohms to about 10 ohms.

11. The aerosol provision device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the thickness of the polymer composition is from about 0.10mm to about 2mm.

12. The aerosol provision device of claim 11, wherein the polymer composition has a thickness of from about 0.15mm to about 1.5mm.

13. The aerosol provision device of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the electromagnetic shielding member is in contact with the induction coil.

14. The aerosol provision device of claim 2, wherein the polymer is an elastomer or a thermoplastic polymer.

15. The aerosol provision device of claim 2, wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of: polycarbonates (PC), polyethylenimines (PEI), acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyvinylchloride alloys, cyclic Olefin Copolymers (COC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene carbonate (PPC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyoxymethylene (POM), nylon, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), silicone, and combinations thereof.

16. The aerosol provision device of claim 15, wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of: polycarbonate (PC), polyethylenimine (PEI), acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyoxymethylene (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and combinations thereof.

17. An aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 2 or 14 to 16, wherein the filler is electrically conductive.

18. The aerosol provision device of claim 17, wherein the filler has a surface resistance of about 10 ^-4 Ohmic or less.

19. The aerosol provision device of any one of claims 2 or 14 to 18, wherein the filler is selected from the group consisting of: metals or metal alloys, carbon, carbides, nitrides, oxides, two-dimensional transition metal carbonitrides, and combinations thereof.

20. The aerosol provision device of claim 19, wherein the filler is selected from the group consisting of: metals or metal alloys, carbon, silicon carbide, boron carbide, titanium carbide, tungsten carbide, aluminum nitride, zinc oxide, and combinations thereof.

21. An aerosol provision device according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the metal is a transition metal or post-transition metal.

22. The aerosol provision device of claim 19 or 20, wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of silver, gold, copper, nickel, iron, zinc, aluminum, and combinations thereof.

23. The aerosol provision device of claim 19 or 20, wherein the carbon is in the form of graphite, graphene oxide, carbon black, carbon nanotubes, or a combination thereof.

24. The aerosol provision device of claim 23, wherein the carbon is at least partially coated with a metal such as nickel.

25. An aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising a susceptor, wherein the susceptor defines the receiving portion.

26. An aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 1 to 25, further comprising a housing forming at least part of an outer surface of the aerosol provision device, wherein the outer surface of the housing is disposed away from the outer surface of the susceptor.

27. An aerosol provision device according to claim 26, wherein, in use, the temperature of the outer surface is maintained below about 70 ℃, about 60 ℃, about 55 ℃ or about 48 ℃.

28. An aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the induction coil is a substantially helical coil extending around the receptacle, and wherein the electromagnetic shielding member extends at least partially around the induction coil.

29. An aerosol provision device according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the induction coil is a substantially planar coil defining a first substantially planar surface on a first side of the induction coil, a second substantially planar surface on a second side of the induction coil opposite the first side, and a peripheral surface connecting the first and second substantially planar surfaces; and is also provided with

Wherein the electromagnetic shielding member at least partially covers one or more of the first substantially planar surface, the second substantially planar surface, and the peripheral surface.

30. An aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 29 and comprising an article comprising aerosol generating material.

31. An electromagnetic shielding member for an aerosol provision device, wherein the electromagnetic shielding member comprises a polymer composition as defined in any of claims 1 to 24 configured to absorb and/or reflect electromagnetic radiation.

32. Use of a polymer composition configured to absorb and/or reflect electromagnetic radiation as an electromagnetic shielding member of an aerosol provision device, wherein the polymer composition is as defined in any one of claims 1 to 24.